The role of health tourism in sustainable urban development with an emphasis on socio economic indicators (case study: Mahallat Spa)

The Globalization and liberalization of trade in health services lead to the emergence of health tourism and its growth . Health tourism covers any trip for health promotion and as one of the aspects of tourism, it provides sustainable development and contribution of the economy. It could also be national strategy towards increasing the national income and is also considered as a national security aid. This study aimed to investigate the role of health tourism in sustainable urban development with an emphasis on socio-economic indicators: a case study of Mahalat spa. The results of the study-obtained from field study and completion of a questionnaire by 415 individuals from local residents based on Cochrane model-indicates that there is a significant differences between the development of health tourism, social and economic development.